Gaining Momentum
Across the breadth of our work, momentum is building and carrying us into an impactful year ahead.
Across the breadth of our work, momentum is building and carrying us into an impactful year ahead. From corporate volunteer days at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm to expanded access to planting equipment through the Farmers Toolshed, from new no-till cost-share opportunities to the inaugural Iowa Culinary Conference in Coralville, this season reflects meaningful progress at every level of the food system.
Whether you’re a farmer, school food leader, volunteer, supporter, or partner, there’s a place for you in the work ahead. We’re so grateful to be building it together.
Corporate Volunteer Days — Join Us!
Volunteers are at the heart of our Grow: Johnson County program, where we grow and freely distribute fresh fruits and vegetables to food access partners across Johnson County. During the 2025 growing season alone, volunteers contributed more than 1,250 hours in the fields and packshed.
Ready to get your hands in the dirt while supporting your community? We offer a variety of volunteer activities for all abilities and skill levels through Grow: Johnson County, located at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm near Iowa City.
Now scheduling corporate groups for the 2026 growing season!
We welcome groups every Friday, May through October.
To schedule a volunteer day for groups of 5 or more, contact Emmaly at emmaly@ivrcd.org.
Spring Planting is on the Way
Spring is a busy time of year on farms everywhere. For specialty crop farmers, access to the right equipment at the right time can make all the difference in efficiency and profitability.
Farmers Toolshed, an equipment and tool sharing program, supported by Iowa Valley RC&D, is increasing access to specialized or rarely used equipment at fair rental rates. This model allows farmers to benefit from high-quality tools without carrying the full cost of purchase, maintenance, insurance, and long-term upkeep.
Planting and seeding equipment available for rent in the Farmers Toolshed include:
Great Plains Grain Drill
3 Row Jang Seeder
No-Till transplanter
3-point broadcast seeder
We’re hiring
Iowa Valley RC&D is hiring a Communications Coordinator to join our team.
The Communications Coordinator will steward and elevate Iowa Valley RC&D’s brand through design, digital, and print communications. This role creates and designs communications content to support the Iowa Valley RC&D’s work.
Visit our website to view the full posting and learn how to apply. Applications close February 23.
Save the Date
The inaugural Iowa Culinary Conference will take place June 22–23, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center in Coralville, Iowa.
This statewide gathering will bring together school food service directors, kitchen teams, chefs, school administrators, food hubs, and farm-to-school leaders from across Iowa for two days of inspiration, skill-building, and meaningful connection. Attendees will hear from nationally recognized keynote speakers, engage in dynamic workshops and panel discussions, and explore practical strategies they can take back to their kitchens and communities to expand scratch cooking in schools.
Conference Focus Areas:
• Scratch Cooking
• Food Service Career Pathways
• Farm to School Procurement
Call for Applications - No-Till Cost Share
It’s no secret trying new things on your farm isn’t without risk. This season, Iowa Valley RC&D is excited to offer a new round of no-till cost share support to specialty crop farmers interested in trialing no-till growing practices in their operations. Cost-share applications are open now, and close February 28. Selected projects will be announced early March.
Our work to build a more sustainable, resilient food system would not be possible without the generosity of our dedicated supporters.